Rashford struggled

Marcus Rashford ran a Premier League title winner ragged in Danny Simpson last week but experienced a comedown against former England international Glen Johnson. Like Simpson, Johnson is not slight, and he used his physicality against the teenager effectively, leading him down blind alleys and showing a discipline many of Rashford's opponents have lacked.

Rashford's struggles were such Zlatan Ibrahimovic strolled into his area in an attempt to effect the match from the left flank. Rashford was hooked twice at the pause under Louis van Gaal and while Jose Mourinho was never likely to make such a decision against Stoke, he might have considered it and Rashford should not have played out the match.

What doubtless contributed was Rashford's recent workload. He was substituted seven minutes before the end against Leicester and played 90 minutes on Thursday. He appeared weary before the hour mark on Sunday.

Martial shows Rashford how it's done

He took his time but Anthony Martial reminded his detractors why he started the season ahead of Rashford on the left flank. He threatened immediately and when the ball fell to him again he showed the composure all of his teammates lacked with their finishing.

Mourinho need only have delved into the archives to watch how Martial left Stoke spellbound at Old Trafford in February. Stoke and Everton are two teams Martial has the hoodoo over and the only regret for Mourinho will be United did not release the ball to him often enough after Joe Allen levelled.

Martial had an immediate impact

Rashford was withdrawn at Anfield last season in the Europa League and Martial's coolness might convince Mourinho to start him in L4 in a fortnight's time.

Mourinho might have found Mata's best position

Unlike Mastermind contestants, just because Juan Mata starts does not mean he gets to finish. He has been substituted on all seven starts this season and his withdrawal against Stoke was possibly the most illogical.

Mourinho seems to have identified Mata's best role in this United side. He is enjoying a freedom Mourinho rarely affords his players yet Mata was such a free spirit on Sunday on one occasion he appeared to be playing up front ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mata impressed again

Mata's movement and cleverness were instrumental during United's dominant first-half and there were other obvious candidates to hook in an attempt to energise United's attack.

Jesse Lingard, too, was unfortunate to come off in the 67 minute.

Right wing remains a vacancy

However well Lingard did, what makes him so influential is how perceptive he is in the final third. He is not a fixed right winger and part of the appeal of playing him and Mata is the pair dovetail and offer opponents different challenges. Lingard's anticipation has allowed him to score some instinctively superb goals.

Mkhitaryan hasn't played for United in almost a month

Yet as United searched for a winner, they were reliant on the largely ineffectual Rashford on the right. There was one peach of a cross Paul Pogba should have buried but, for a team that persisted down the right rather than the left, there was not a specialist to constantly whip balls in. Rooney headed out there, so did Memphis and Antonio Valencia ventured forward. It became congested and Stoke were subsequently not tested enough.

Mkhitaryan omission proved costly

There was one teasing cross towards the end from Wayne Rooney and that came after the United captain hit the first man with a corner. Both of United's goals this week stemmed from botched Rooney efforts but it is not resounding evidence of an impact substitute.

Mourinho brought Rooney on with Martial

Rooney's introduction was further evidence of the political baggage that comes with handling him. United were not pressing high enough before Martial struck and Juan Mata had been one of their most creative forwards all afternoon, yet he was hooked and a creative vacuum opened up, with Rooney particularly drawn to the right flank as United endeavoured to regain their lead.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, out of the squad again, would have been a more enterprising option and the time might soon come that Rooney is omitted from the squad entirely.